CDKN's New Phase to be launched in India and Bangladesh

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) is launching its new phase in India and Bangladesh respectively.

ICLEI South Asia is one of the four supporting partners in this programme along with non-profit organisations SouthSouthNorth, Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano, and the Overseas Development Institute.

In the new phase, CDKN will focus on deep engagement with countries like India, Bangladesh and Nepal, and provide them with enhanced knowledge resources to support ambitious climate action, as well as boost learning on climate compatible development.

“The latest IPCC report on Global Warming of 1.5°C highlights the need for urgent action on climate change in the Asian context – a region already suffering grave impacts at the current 1.C of average warming. Now more than ever developing countries need relevant and useful knowledge on how to respond to the climate challenge – and to rapidly share learning on how to deliver climate action on the ground. This will be a key focus of CDKN in the coming years. We are excited to be launching CDKN’s new phase in Asia, building on seven years of work in the region to bridge knowledge and action on climate compatible development,” said Shehnaaz Moosa, CDKN Director.

In this latest phase, CDKN will expand its knowledge-sharing services and facilitate learning on climate compatible development, with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre and the Royal Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This is an important initiative that builds upon climate change programs active in India by connecting these different initiatives and supporting the shift from knowledge into action in the country,” said Georgina Kemp from the international Development Research Centre.

The initiative will help individuals and organisations to share knowledge on how climate change is affecting water, energy and food security and cities, and how gender and social inclusion and new finance mechanisms can bring about sustainable development. CDKN will also aim to facilitate interaction between various governments and non-government actors, supporting them to access climate and development knowledge that enhances resilience.

“ICLEI South Asia is happy to be a part of this alliance. Various stakeholders, including government agencies working on climate resilience in Asia, need support in terms of relevant and useful knowledge on climate compatible development. We look forward to providing this in the new phase of CDKN” said Mr. Emani Kumar, Executive Director, ICLEI South Asia.

Beyond Asia, the initiative will also focus on the Andean countries of Latin America, and parts of Africa. There will be the chance for other countries to join its wider learning and exchange activities.